Vintage Simon Peter Gerz Stoneware German Beer Stein Hand Painted Pewter Lid Stamped Foreign Tankard Fabrikmarke 1930’s Breweriana Bar Collectible Barware The one thing that all research materials and web sites all seem to agree on is that the word “FOREIGN” affixed on items, like this stoneware stein, were initially used when the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 was implemented. The McKinley Act not only imposed the highest tariffs that the United States ever placed on imports, it also demanded that all items imported to the U. Regardless of country of origin, had to be marked as “FOREIGN”. Thus began the mystery of identifying the stamp on this wonderful stein for a possible date! Even if it cannot be identified to a specific date, there are small things to help tell that it is older…. The piece has a raised design of 2 different castle designs and a 3-man hofbrau drinking scene, all hand painted in wonderful colors over a cobalt blue. Then topped by a pewter lid ornately designed with an artistic thumb press, which has remained securely attached. Under the handle is the number 1799; this number is most likely a form or mold identifier. With the lid down it measures 6-3/8″ to the top of the thumb press; raised it is 4-7/8″. It has a 2-3/4″ base diameter and a 2-3/8″ opening diameter. This a Simon Peter Gerz I Stein, The base is stamped with the word “FOREIGN” above a triangle (below the triangle there is Fabrikmarke Barely visible) and the Gerz logo is missing from the center of the triangle dating this to the 1930’s. It is in amazing vintage condition! There are no cracks, chips, fractures, repairs or fleabites. Please review all pictures, as they are part of the description. Please message me with questions thank you for visiting!